Method for competitive prescription drug and/or bidding service provider selection

ABSTRACT

Unfilled prescriptions are submitted to a registry comprising pre-qualified pharmacies for a “reverse auction” in which the pharmacies bid for the opportunity to fill the prescription. The pharmacies are allowed to bid based on price and/or offering ancillary services. The auction may also be used to bid on supplying specified pharmaceutical cognitive services. The method may also include obtaining cost comparisons with generic substitutes or similar alternative pharmaceutical products. The system may further comprise automatically requesting a review by the prescriber for a list of similar substitutes or prior-authorization for third-party payers. The winner of the reverse auction is selected by the customer.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser.No. 60/504,481 filed Sep. 19, 2003, the teachings and disclosures ofwhich are herein incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a method for promoting, marketing,distributing, pricing, selling and/or facilitating the delivery of itemsand/or services obtained through prescriptions. Specifically, theinvention relates to a method for reducing the cost of prescriptionproducts, services, and/or treatment and increasing the quantity andquality of service provided to the customer through the use of acompetitive-bid bidding service provider selection process.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Spending on prescription drugs continues to be one of thefastest-growing healthcare costs facing customers. Factors that havedriven the increases in prescription drug spending include increased useof disease-preventative and quality-of-life enhancing drugs by patients,direct marketing to patients by pharmaceutical companies, usage changesto newer, higher-cost drugs, and price increases by manufacturers andthe lack of prescriber and customer information and participation inpharmacoeconomic discussions and choice. A particular problem withprescription drug costs is that many patients who lack prescription drugcoverage often pay more for prescriptions than those who do havecoverage. This is usually due to “cost shifting” by pharmacies, whoattempt to collect larger profit margins from patients with limitedbuying power and information to compensate for the reduced profits'available from insured patients having prescription plans withpre-negotiated price schedules. The result is that uninsured patients,who have little or no market leverage as individuals, pay higher pricesfor prescriptions than other payers in the marketplace, such as thirdparty payers, insurance companies, the government and the like.

In order to assist those individuals who lack prescription drugcoverage, discount drug card programs have been offered by organizationswherein subscribers to the programs receive monetary discounts fromparticipating pharmacies. However, since the discount drug card programsrequire that the patient pay 100% of the price of the prescription atthe time they receive the medication, and since the pharmacist may notbe required to adjudicate benefits or discounts through a third party,there is no assurance that the patient will receive the correctdiscounted price and the patient advocacy that the participatingpharmacy had originally contracted to provide under the terms of thediscount drug card program.

Third party payment programs, on the other hand, have used many tools tocontrol drug costs; they decreased treatment options, cut pharmacyservices, received perverse incentives from pharmaceuticalmanufacturers, increased co-pays to decrease costs and/or access to somedrug therapies, and limited access to providers.

Many patients are unable to purchase needed medication because it iseither too expensive or limited by their health insurance plan. Suchpatients are considered to be “undertreated.” Undertreated patients areprone to treatment failures, often must be hospitalized at a greaterexpense to the healthcare system, and frequently suffer increasedmorbidity and mortality.

The current system is replete with perverse methods to shift the cost ofdrug therapy to the customer by means of various incentives for theprescribers, dispensers, consultants, PBM's, HMO's, insurance companies,and others. These perverse incentives act to increase patients' cost ofdrug therapy or prevent patients from receiving desired products and/orpharmacy services, satisfying profitability motives of the above-listedparties at the expense of the customer. There is a need for tools thatallow customers to obtain prescription drugs and services and toconsistently provide drug price discounts to customers and increases theavailability of desired pharmacy services while holding down the totalcost of health care.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a tool which allows customers to obtainprescription drugs and services and provides these customers with ameans to reduce the cost of prescription medications and increase theiraccess to desired pharmacy services and also overcomes the shortcomingsof using discount cards, PBMs, HMOs, health insurance plans, governmentplans, and the like

In one embodiment, the invention is a method for facilitating thedelivery of prescription products or services, the method comprising thesteps of providing unfilled prescription information and patientinformation from a customer to a participating pre-qualifiedprescription provider, wherein the prescription was provided by aprescriber; transferring, via electronic means, the unfilledprescription information from the bidding service provider to a registryof pre-qualified prescription providers; conducting a reverse auction inwhich the pre-qualified prescription providers respond with interactiveand iterative bids to fill the unfilled prescription; providing thecustomer with the details of the lowest bid of each respondingpre-qualified prescription provider that made at least one bid to fillthe prescription; and, allowing the customer to select the winning bid.

In another embodiment, the invention is a system for facilitating thefulfillment of prescribed products and/or services; the systemcomprising at least one first input/output means for a customer tosubmit patient information and information for at least one unfilledprescription and to receive information on any bids made to fill theunfilled prescription; at least one second input/output means forcommunicating information for the unfilled prescription to a registrycomprising pre-qualified prescription fulfillment providers and for thepre-qualified prescription fulfillment providers to interactively submitbids to fill the unfilled prescription; and, a data storage andprocessing unit in electronic communication with the first input/outputmeans and the second input/output means.

In a further embodiment, the invention is a method for facilitating thedelivery of prescription products or services, the method comprising thesteps of providing unfilled prescription information and patientinformation from a customer to a participating bidding service provider,wherein the prescription is provided by a prescriber; transferring, viaelectronic means, the unfilled prescription information from the biddingservice provider to a registry of pre-qualified pharmacies; conducting areverse auction in which the pre-qualified pharmacies respond withinteractive and iterative bids to fill the unfilled prescription;providing the customer with the details of the lowest bid of eachresponding pharmacy that made at least one bid to fill the prescription;and, allowing the customer to select the winning bid.

In yet another embodiment, the invention is a method for facilitatingthe delivery of prescription products, the method comprising the stepsof providing unfilled drug prescription information and patientinformation from a customer to a participating bidding serviceprovider/administrator; performing a similar product price comparison toidentify a list of products potentially similar to the prescribed drugalong with relative costs for such identified similar products;obtaining authorization from the prescriber to replace the prescribeddrug with an identified potential substitute; transferring, viaelectronic means, information for the unfilled prescription, modified toinclude an authorized generic substitute or similar product, from thebidding service provider to a registry of pre-qualified pharmacies;conducting a reverse auction in which the pre-qualified pharmaciesrespond with interactive and iterative bids to fill the unfilledprescription; providing the customer with the details of the lowest bidof each responding pharmacy that made at least one bid to fill theprescription; and; allowing the customer to select the winning bid.

In yet another embodiment, the invention is a method for selectingpharmaceutical cognitive services, the method comprising: submitting arequest for specified pharmaceutical cognitive services from a customerto a participating bidding service provider; transferring, viaelectronic means, the request for specified pharmaceutical cognitiveservices from the bidding service provider to a registry ofpre-qualified pharmaceutical cognitive service providers; conducting areverse auction in which the pre-qualified pharmaceutical cognitiveservice providers respond with interactive and iterative bids to providethe specified pharmaceutical cognitive services; providing the customerwith the details of the lowest bid of each responding pharmaceuticalcognitive service provider that made at least one bid; and, allowing thecustomer to select the winning bid.

In yet a further embodiment, the invention is a system for processingprescriptions; the system comprising at least one first input/outputmeans for a customer to submit patient information and information forat least one unfilled prescription and to receive information on anybids made to fill the unfilled prescription; at least one secondinput/output means for communicating information for the unfilledprescription to a registry comprising pre-qualified prescriptionproviders and for the pre-qualified prescription providers tointeractively submit bids to fill the unfilled prescription in a reverseauction; and, a data storage and processing unit in electroniccommunication with the first input/output means and the secondinput/output means.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further features of the present invention will become apparent to thoseskilled in the art to which the present invention relates from readingthe following specification with reference to the accompanying drawings,in which:

FIG. 1A-G is a flow diagram of a method for competitive prescriptiondrug and/or bidding service provider selection:

FIG. 2 is a timeline of a representative bidding system; and

FIG. 3 shows the general arrangement of a system for competitiveprescription drug and/or service provider selection according to anembodiment of the present Invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As used herein, the term “prescription” refers to any order by anauthorized person for the preparation and/or administration of amedicine, medical device or other treatment. Authorization to give aprescription is typically controlled by government or professionalassociations. Authorized persons may include, as non-limiting examples,physicians, opticians/optometrists, veterinarians, etc. Other treatmentscan include, inter alia, surgery, physical therapy, psychiatric therapy,corrective lenses, or diagnostic testing. The prescription is filled bythe appropriate pre-qualified prescription providers (i.e., dispensersof products or services, e.g., pharmacies, physicians, optical shops,etc.). For the sake of clarity, the following description will focus onthe embodiment where the prescription is for medication and thepre-qualified prescription providers are pharmacies. One skilled in theart will recognize that the invention described herein may be modifiedas warranted by the idiosyncrasies of other embodiments of prescriptionsand/or pre-qualified prescription providers.

A customer is a person who buys the medical or health related goods orservices. A consumer is a being who uses or consumes the medical orhealth related goods or services. A patient is a being receiving medicalattention, care, or treatment. A customer is not necessarily a consumeror patient and vice versa (e.g., a parent buying medication for a minorchild; an owner obtaining medical treatment for a pet). For illustrationpurposes only, the following description focuses on the case where thecustomer is also the patient and/or the consumer and these terms willtherefore be used interchangeably in this specification.

According to the present invention, a method is disclosed whereby acustomer, such as a patient holding a prescription for medication,provides prescription and patient information to a participating biddingservice provider/administrator (also called “BidRx^(SM)” herein). Theprescription may be written, electronic, faxed, or telephonic. Theprescription, if in physical form (e.g., written), remains with thepatient or the patient's agent. The bidding service provider suppliesthe unfilled prescription information (minus patient identifyinginformation) to a registry of pharmacies that have been previouslyqualified by the bidding service provider to participate in a biddingprocess to fill that specific customer's unfilled prescription within adefined service area and/or selected or defined registry and/or via mailorder. The prescription information from the customer is preferablytransferred electronically, such as by means of an intranet or theInternet although other means of transfers such as fax, written, etc.are possible. Registry pharmacies which respond to the invitation to bid(i.e., in registry, service area, provide product and service requested,etc.) (called “responding pharmacies” herein), each interact iterativelywith the bidding service provider, attempting to provide a better fitfor the patient/customer than competing pharmacies in the registry witha lower price and/or additional ancillary services in a “reverseauction.” Immediately and continuously the customer is providedinformation pertaining to the bids of the responding pharmacies untileither the customer selects a bid or the pre-selected bidding periodends (at which time, the customer can select their preferred bid ordecline all bids). The customer selects from the responding pharmaciesbased on idiosyncratic criteria such as: preferred pharmacies (allinformation related to the pharmacy is included in the bid as well as anoptional pharmacy web site link), cost, ancillary services offered,proximity of the responding pharmacies to the customer, and so on. Theselected pharmacies are then notified of the customer's selection viathe bidding service provider. The customer and the successful respondingpharmacy are then provided with a reservation number (the customer isalso provided with a key code or key number) and the patient's properinformation corresponding to the bid-upon specifications and terms ofthe prescription transaction, allowing the customer to begin the processof presenting the prescription for the pharmacy to fill and the pharmacyto contact the patient to increase compliance.

A first alternate or additional embodiment of the present inventionincludes an optional module in which the bidding service provider may,typically for a fee, provide a list of similar product price comparison(SPPC) and provide a list of potential alternative drugs that aresimilar but may have relative lower cost. The bidding service providermay also be authorized by the customer to send the customer'sprescribing physician the SPPC list for the prescriber's appropriatereview, and, if necessary, prior authorization, patient interactions,discussion, and action. The fee charged by the bidding service providermay be a flat fee, or alternatively may be a percentage of the savingsbeing provided to whomever is paying for the prescription. A fee mayalso be charged to transfer the list to the prescriber.

A second alternate or additional embodiment includes an optional modulein which pharmaceutical manufacturers may participate in the biddingprocess, either directly or indirectly. Pharmaceutical manufacturers mayalso provide incentives to patients (i.e., a new form ofdirect-to-customer advertising or coupon) in hopes of generatingpositive shifts in the market share for products provided by themanufacturers and to further decrease the cost of medication to thecustomer while allowing diffusion of innovation. Preferably all costs,funds, and coupons are handled electronically. This system also offersdirect to consumer (DTC) advertising and/or a web link for productinformation at the time of purchase and product selection.

A third alternate or additional embodiment of the present inventionincludes an optional module in which the bidding service provider mayhave a plurality of tools for the third party to directly set up forservice plans, co-pay and deductibles for all prescriptions andservices. For example, the bidding service provider tool may offer theset up of a basic plan or more comprehensive packages having additionalbenefits or restrictions offered for a fee basis. Additional benefitsmay include a profile review of the BidRx^(SM) users' medication,checking for such potential problems as under- or over-medication andpotential drug interactions. Subscribers may also be offered ancillaryservice plans and incentive “points” for prescriptions that may beaccumulated for discounts and further benefits. The system mayoptionally allow for customer feedback and professional pharmacyaffiliation feedback.

FIG. 1A-F is a flow diagram of a preferred embodiment method forcompetitive prescription drug provider selection. The method shown inFIG. 1 demonstrates all of the above optional modules, also.

At Step 6 a customer, such as a patient receiving a prescription,registers with a bidding service provider (also labeled herein as“BidRx^(SM)”). The bid request may be transmitted to the participatingbidding service provider via an electronic network, such as an intranetor the Internet. Alternatively, the order may be placed by conventionalmeans, such as in-person, by telephone, mail order or facsimile. At Step6, customers register for the service by providing the followingidentification and communication information, for example: (1) CustomerName; (2) Customer Language preference; (3) Customer Address; and (4)Customer Email Address.

After Step 6, the customer may initiate a Pharmaceutical Prescriptionsand Services Bid Request. At Step 8, the customer will be asked, “Do youhave a drug card that pays for all or a portion of your prescriptioncosts?” If ‘NO’ continue on, if ‘YES’ the customer will be directed tothe Third Party/Insurance Module (FIG. 1D).

At Step 10, the customer will have a choice of whether to select; 1)Pharmaceutical Prescriptions and Services Bid Request; or, 2) MedicationTherapy Management Service (MTMS)/Pharmaceutical Cognitive Services OnlyBid Request. If the customer selects 1), the process continues at FIG.1B. If the customer selects 2), the process continues at FIG. 1G.

Referring to FIG. 1B, at Step 12 the customer may add to his/her profileand/or provide the bidding service provider with information pertainingto the bid request, may include but not limited to patient name, patientlanguage preference, patient address, patient E-mail (address mayalready be there from registration). The customer also adds theprescription information, such as, prescription name, drug strength, theform of the drug (i.e., tablets, capsules, gelcaps, etc.), prescriptionquantity, amount taken per day, potentially directions for use, anyancillary pharmacy services desired, and a bidding time limit (normallyin hours). Step 12 may be made more efficient by the bidding serviceprovider, by storing at least a portion of the customer-specificinformation, such as name, preferences, and addresses, in a physicalfile or an electronic database and then later recalling the informationwhen another prescription is presented by the customer. Additionally,information pertaining to the drug (name, strength, etc.) and/or thepharmaceutical services are preferably selected by the customer fromdrop down menus or a similar process in order to reduce mistakes.

The customer is then asked at Step 56 if they would like a similarproduct price comparison (SPPC) prior to submitting their bid forproduct and services. A tickler message 57 can be used to inform thecustomer of the magnitude of potential savings. In the SPPC process, 58,the bidding service provider provides a list that compares the drugproducts the customer has listed for bid for the availability ofpotentially lower cost similar products. Some examples of the list atStep 60 is shown in Table 1:

TABLE 1 Example SPPC List 3^(rd) Party Customer Drug Cost Coupon Co-PayCoupon You Pay PA A $140.00 0 $140.00  $20.00 $120.00  Yes B $140.00$25.00 $20.00 $10.00 $10.00 Yes C $100.00 0 $20.00 0 $20.00 No D $100.00$20.00 $10.00 0 $10.00 No E  $80.00 $20.00 $10.00 $20.00 0 No

Table 1 has columns for 3^(rd) Party coupons and customer coupons.Coupons are discounts from the manufacturer/supplier (also called“PhRMA” herein) of the drugs that reduce the cost of the prescription to3^(rd) party payers and/or the customer. The customer coupons act as anincentive for the customer to choose the manufacturer's product byreducing the amount that the customer must pay. Likewise, 3^(rd) Partycoupons decrease the cost to the 3^(rd) Party payer, who may then passsome of the savings on to the customer either by reducing the co-payand/or not requiring a prior authorization (PA) in order to urge thecustomer to choose the manufacturer's product (compare Example Drugs A-Din terms of the co-pay amounts and PA requirements in relation to thecost to the 3^(rd) party). Typically, the cost to the customer will notbe allowed to be less than zero (Example Drug E). PhRMA can also provideweb links so that the customer can obtain more information on the drugs.Additionally, PhRMA could have direct-to-customer advertising linked tothe SPPC list. Other consumer links may be made available.

Of course, a change from the customer's current medication to a lowercost product must be approved by the prescriber. Additionally, adifferent medication may necessitate a prior authorization (PA). At Step62, the customer is given the option to either directly contact theprescriber with the SPPC list for potential change to a lower costproduct or else authorize the bidding service provider to send the SPPClist to the prescriber for the customer.

If the customer opts at Step 62 for bidding service provider to send theSPPC list to the prescriber, then the customer provides the followinginformation at Step 64, then the information is automaticallytransferred by the bidding service provider.

Prescriber Name

Address

Phone Number

Fax Number

Email address if available

HIPAA Authorization (Statement Check Box)

Credit Card Information

In Step 66, the prescriber reviews the SPPC list, whether presented bythe customer or the bidding service provider. The prescription,reflecting the prescriber's approval/disapproval of the SPPC listedoptions, is then resubmitted to the bidding system prior at Step 14(FIG. 1A). If necessary, a new prescription is entered at Step 13.

If the customer selects NO for the SPPC at Step 56 (FIG. 1B), then thebidding service provider system determines the customer's geographicservice area based on a chosen mile radius, and sends the appropriatecustomer information for bid to the appropriate pharmacies in theregistry database as shown at Step 14. The Customer Service Area isdefined as all pharmacies enrolled in the bidding service providerregistry database that are in the service area defined by the customerwithin a given distance, e.g., a 10-mile radius from the customer, bygeomapping method or the customer zip code plus all adjoining zip codesor are Mail Order pharmacies (as designated by the NCPDP indicator orRegistry database field in the Mail Order registry) if mail orderselected. The Canadian pharmacy registry or other registry is includedif selected by the customer. The pharmacies chosen will be within thegeographic area selected by the customer, or may be a mail orderpharmacy if that was selected by the customer. The customer may also beasked if Canadian pharmacies or other registry country/type ofpharmacies can bid on the prescription and/or service items. If YES, thebid information is sent to any Canadian pharmacies and other registrycountry/type of pharmacies selected in the bidding service provider'sCanadian provider registry and other registry country/type.

At Step 14, pharmacies that have joined the bidding service providerregistry through a qualification process and are within thecustomer'service area (or are able to provide mail-order service ifselected) will receive a notification of the prescription bid requestfrom the bidding service provider and an invitation to bid. Suchnotification is preferably via electronic means, for example an intranetor the Internet (although other means of notification could be used).The qualification process may include criteria such as agreeing tomaximum charges for normal and routine products and services; agreeingto bid on normal and routine products and services per a registrycontract as well as bidding on other requested services for the pricelisted on the pharmacies pricing table charge if service(s) available aswell as adding other services not requested to the bid including, butnot limited to, pharmaceutical education, various delivery methods (suchas mail order, walk-in and institutional), providing desiredprescription packaging (such as unit dosing and vials), 24 hour service,24 hour pharmacist on-call; and agreeing to fill all prescriptionspresented for a particular reservation according to the reservation atno charge and honor all other conditions of the registry agreement.

The pharmacy responds to the bidding request by the pharmacy placing abid (manually or automatically), which must conform to all requirementsrequested by the customer and contained in the bid request at Step 12.The responding pharmacy may also include additional optional services inthe bid. Each responding pharmacy submits its bid to the bidding serviceprovider at Step 20. The bids are preferably transmitted from theresponding pharmacy to the bidding service provider electronically, suchas by means of an intranet or the Internet, though alternate forms ofcommunication such as telephone, facsimile and mail, although notpreferred, may be used.

In an alternate embodiment, pharmacies may be given the option to bid ornot. Generally, bidding option 18 will not be available in order tomaximize pharmacy participation 18.

Referring to FIG. 1C, at Step 22 as bids from each of the respondingpharmacies are received by the bidding service provider, they are postedfor all responding pharmacies to see in a form of “reverse auction.” Theposting is preferably performed using an electronic network such as anintranet or the Internet, providing each responding pharmacy withreal-time feedback regarding the status and relative placement of theirrespective bids. While the process is active, pharmacies that have beenunder-bid by a lower price offered by a competing pharmacy, may thenmanually submit new, lower bids and/or add services at no charge. In apreferred embodiment of the present invention, responding pharmacies arenot permitted to raise their bid prices after they have been submitted.

For each drug or class of drug in the drug database, the pharmacyregistrant is allowed to set a minimum price below the bidding serviceprovider pharmacy registry price for products via a mathematicalformula. Drugs may be listed as Not Available (NA). The registeredpharmacy's minimum price will typically be based on standard industryprice indices, e.g., either the Average Wholesale Price (AWP) or theMaximum Allowable Cost (MAC) within the commercially available drugdatabase. (Example; PRICE=AWP−10% plus a $2.50 fee). In a furtherrefinement of the invention, pharmacies may adjust the formula for eachdifferent third party payer in order to be included in more auctions.The pharmacy register price is the maximum allowable price that thepharmacies agree to in order to be included on the registry. Again thepharmacy register price will typically be based on a standard industryprice index.

Drugs may be characterized by the Generic Product Identifier (GPI) code(a 14-character structure) or other drug classification systems. The 14characters representing 7-two character pairs are used to define thevarious drug subsets. Drug Groups, Drug Classes, Drug Subclasses, DrugNames, Drug Dosage Form, and Drug Strength, are 6 of the subsets ofpartial GPIs found in the Medi-Span MDDB drug database(http://www.medi-span.com/). The GPI and other data elements such as theGeneric Product Packaging Code (GPPC), and the National Drug Code (NDC)will be utilized to assist in pricing of drugs and to assist indetermining Brand versus Generic drugs.

Once a pricing table is completed by the registry pharmacy for eachproduct the pharmacy wants to price differently then the standardBidRx^(SM) registry price, the reverse auction begins with an automaticbidding module bidding for the pharmacy on each of the customers itemsin specified declining increments. The automatic bidding will continueas long as the pharmacy is not bidding against itself, or the minimumprice is met. Minimum prices may be set by third party payers as a meansto maintain marketplace competition.

A manual bidding process for the pharmacy providers would consist of ascreen that allows a bidding pharmacy within the service area of therequests, to see all of the bidding service provider requests andcurrent lowest bids. The usual and customary price for service areplaced in the pharmacy pricing for alternative billing and are added tothe product bid for services requested. The screen would allow thepharmacy to manually enter in the price for each product and service.Use of the manual option also allows a pharmacy to bid by temporarilyresetting its minimum for the auction or group of auctions and addservices at no charge to try to obtain the best fit by the customer andwin the bid.

For each service in the pharmacy service database the pharmacy isallowed to set a field in the database for a usual and customary (U&C)charge, No Charge (N/C), Not Available (N/A), and a minimum charge byamount or unit of service. Once the pricing table is set for services,the automatic bidding module will bid on each of the customers requestedservices with the U&C price. Services listed as (N/C) are added to eachbid if the customer requested that service or not. Services that areoffered with charges, but not requested by the customer are added to aviewable screen of services bid at Usual and Customary pricing forcustomers future reference.

When bidding starts at Step 12, the best bids from each of theresponding pharmacies are reported back to the customer at Step 24. Thecustomer is preferably notified electronically via an E-mail message oraccessed over the Internet; however, alternate means such as telephone,facsimile and mail may also be used. Bid reporting at Step 40 may beprovided to the customer continuously during the reverse auction and/orafter the set bidding period closes.

The lowest bid for each combination of product and services from eachpharmacy bidding is returned to the customer at Step 24. The pharmacyregistry maximum prices for products and services are returned for allpharmacies in the service area that have no manual or automatic bid fora particular auction.

The customer interface at Step 26 allows the bid information to bedisplayed in several different ways such as:

-   -   1. Lowest to highest based on product price only    -   2. Lowest to highest based on combined product and service        pricing    -   3. Lowest to highest based on combined products and services of        pharmacy offering services beyond that requested.    -   4. Highest to lowest based on the number of services offered.    -   5. Others    -   Note: The above lists contain all of the elements of the bid        priced by item and totaled, as well as the Name, Address, Phone        #, Fax #, and E-mail address of the pharmacy and pharmacy web        site link if available.

At Step 26 the customer selects the best bid that matches the customer'sindividual needs, based on their individual preferences. Suchpreferences may include preferred pharmacies, prescription cost,ancillary services available and the proximity of the pharmacies to thecustomer. The customer may be given the option of selecting the winningbid prior to the close of the bidding period. The customer notifies thebidding service provider of their selection during this step, and thebidding service provider provides the customer with a reservation numberand code key corresponding to the terms of the pharmacy's bid for theprescription.

At Step 28 unsuccessful responding pharmacies are notified with the bidnumber and, optionally, de-identified patient information. At Step 30,the successful responding pharmacy is also notified with the bid number,is provided with the same reservation number as the customer (as at Step26) and may receive patient identified information. The successful andunsuccessful pharmacies are preferably notified via an E-mail message orvia an Internet web site; however, alternate means such as telephone andfacsimile may also be used. The prescription is filled by the successfulresponding pharmacy as at Step 32, in accordance with the terms of thepharmacy's winning bid of Step 26 and entering the code key into thepharmacies BidRx^(SM) reservation. The code key acts as proof that theprescription was filled and, thereby, authorizes the bidding serviceprovider to pay the pharmacy.

In Step 32 the customer then contacts the pharmacy by usual means andpresents a valid prescription for the bid products along with thereservation number and key code. (This can only be done after a bid isawarded). The winning bid remains in the bidding service provider'ssystem until the expiration date of the reservation. Only the customerand the winning pharmacy have access to the winning bid information, vialogin and password. The winning Pharmacy fills the prescription andprovides the services specified in the reservation at the bid price.

After the reservation expires, the winning bid information is available,as shown in Step 34 on the bidding service provider's system to allpharmacies within the service area, minus the customer and pharmacyinformation. Pharmacies viewing this data should be able to performqueries on this information to allow them to improve their chances ofwinning new bids. Some examples are:

-   -   1. The number of successful bids per specified period.    -   2. The number of bids available per specified period    -   3. Percentage of successful bids by pharmacy in the specified        period.    -   4. Winning bid prices for products and services over a time        period (also available to customer).    -   6. List highest to lowest based upon a selection of the        following;        -   a. Product pricing database        -   b. Services database

Pharmacies receive the bid information and can:

-   -   a). Bid manually through the BidRx^(SM) system user interface,    -   b). Let the BidRx^(SM) system automatically bid the registry        price for them,    -   c). Let the BidRx^(SM) automatic bidding module bid down the        price to a pharmacy set minimum.

Referring back to FIG. 1A, if the customer selects 2) at Step 10,(Medication Therapy Management/Other Cognitive Services Service Only BidRequest) they are asked to select from the following types ofpharmaceutical cognitive services at Step 36:

-   -   1) Pharmaceutical Care Consulting and evaluation bid request    -   2) Drug Profile Evaluation bid request    -   3) Other Cognitive Services        Referring back to FIG. 1A, if the customer selects 2) at Step        10, (Medication Therapy Management/Other Cognitive Services        Service Only Bid Request) they are asked to select from the        following types of pharmaceutical cognitive services at Step 36:    -   1) Pharmaceutical Care Consulting and evaluation bid request    -   2) Drug Profile Evaluation bid request    -   3) Other Cognitive Services        Typically, bidding service provider does not provide the        services above but instead provides a system for customers to        request bids for these services and third party providers of        these services to bid, thereby resulting in a reservation for        the services at the winning bid price. In an alternative        embodiment, the bidding service provider may also be bid, under        appropriate circumstances, to provide MTMS or other cognitive        services. In a further alternative embodiment, the bidding        service provider may, automatically or optionally for a fee,        conduct MTMS/Other Cognitive Services based on the customer's        record of prescriptions obtained by using the bidding system.

One form of MTMS/Other Cognitive Services is a Drug Profile Evaluationbid request (DPE). A DPE is a review of the customer's current drugsthey are taking along with their diagnoses, allergies, age, sex, diet,lifestyle, etc. The review maximizes the effectiveness of the customersmedications and minimizes cost. The following are some itemsaccomplished in this type of a review;

1. Drug use without indication—The customer is taking a medication forno medically valid indication.

2. Untreated indication—The customer has a medical problem that requiresdrug therapy but is not receiving a drug for that indication.

3. Improper drug selection—The customer has a drug indication but istaking the wrong drug, or is taking a drug that is not the mostappropriate for the special needs of the customer.

4. Sub-therapeutic dosage—The customer has a medical problem that isbeing treated with too little of the correct medication.

5. Over dosage—The customer has a medical problem that is being treatedwith too much of the correct medication.

6. Adverse drug reaction—The customer has a medical problem that is theresult of an adverse drug reaction or adverse effect.

7. Drug interaction—The customer has a medical problem that is theresult of a drug-drug, drug-food, or drug-laboratory test interaction.

8. Medication monitoring—Evaluation bid request of medications foreffectiveness and toxicity or adverse effects.

9. Medication costs—Intervention is needed to assist the customer withobtaining access to a lower cost medication or overcoming a barrier tomedication access, such as a formulary restriction or priorauthorization.

Another form of MTMS/Other Cognitive Services is Pharmaceutical Care.Pharmaceutical Care as outlined by the American Pharmacists Association(http://www.aphanet.org/) is a patient-centered, outcomes orientedpharmacy practice that requires the pharmacist to work in concert withthe patient and the patient's other health care providers to promotehealth, to prevent disease, and to assess, monitor, initiate, and modifymedication use to assure that drug therapy regimens are safe andeffective. The goal of Pharmaceutical Care is to optimize the patient'shealth-related quality of life, and achieve positive clinical outcomes,within realistic economic expenditures. To achieve this goal, thefollowing must be accomplished: (A) a professional relationship must beestablished and maintained; (B) patient-specific medical informationmust be collected, organized, recorded, and maintained; and, (C)patient-specific medical information must be evaluated and a drugtherapy plan developed mutually with the patient.

The plan may have various components, which address each of thepatient's diseases or conditions. In designing the plan, the pharmacistmust carefully consider the psychosocial aspects of the disease as wellas the potential relationship between the cost and/or complexity oftherapy and patient adherence. As one of the patient's advocates, thepharmacist assures the coordination of drug therapy with the patient'sother pharmacy providers and the patient. In addition, the patient mustbe apprised of (1) various pros and cons (i.e., cost, side effects,different monitoring aspects, etc.) of the options relative to drugtherapy and (2) instances where one option may be more beneficial basedon the pharmacist's professional judgment. The essential elements of theplan, including the patient's responsibilities, must be carefully andcompletely explained to the patient. Information should be provided tothe patient at a level the patient will understand. The drug therapyplan must be documented in the patient's pharmacy record andcommunicated to the patient's other healthcare providers as necessary.

Other cognitive service bids and service may be offered.

As shown in FIG. 1G, at Step 37, the customer is then requested to enterin the desired service area and desired bidding time limit. Differentbut similar flow paths are then followed depending whether the choice atStep 36. A Pharmaceutical Care Consulting bid request 301, or a DrugProfile Evaluation bid request 311, or an Other Cognitive Services bidrequest 221 is submitted to the registry of MTMS/Other CognitiveServices Providers (303, 313, or 323, respectively) in the service area.The MTMS/Other Cognitive Services Providers in the different registriesmay be the same or different depending on the qualifications andinterests of the individual, MTMS Providers. Typically, MTMS serviceproviders include, inter alia, pharmacists, physicians, nurses,prescribers, consultants, drug representatives, or other healthprofessionals. The MTMS/Other Cognitive Services Providers (303, 313,323) bid automatically and/or manually in a reverse auction (305, 315,325). The lowest bids from reverse auction (305, 315, 325) are reportedto the customer either continuously during the auction and/or after thebidding period closes. The customer reviews the bids and selects the bidthat best matches the customer's preferences (Steps 307, 317, or 327,respectively). The successful bidder and customer receive a reservationnumber that describes the conditions of the bid and price at Step 309.The customer can contact the successful bidder and provide to them theappropriate information for the review at Step 329. The successfulbidder is typically charged a fee by the bidding service forfacilitating the MTMS/Other Cognitive Services engagement.

The MTMS/Other Cognitive Services reservation number statement maycontain instructions such as:

“If you want to execute your reservation, give this reservation numberalong with a complete listing of all medications you currently take,including over-the-counter medications, vitamins, supplements and/orherbal remedies, to the MTMS/Other Cognitive Services Provider. TheMTMS/Other Cognitive Services Provider can then review your prescriptionproperly and provide to you the correct services. Other cognitiveservices, bids and services may be offered.

A hallmark of this invention is that a continuous history ofprescriptions obtained by the patient using the bidding system can bemaintained even if the patient switches jobs, medical plans, physicians,hospitals, or insurance companies. Currently, the patient's prescriptionhistory is not frequently forwarded through such transitions and must bereconstructed after each change. Such reconstruction can lead to errorsor omissions in the patient's history. With this system, the customercan obtain a report of all health related transactions, which thecustomer conducted through the bidding service provider, and providethat report to the winning MTMS/Other Cognitive Services Provider.

Referring back to FIG. 1A and FIG. 1D, if the customer says YES to “Doyou have a drug card that pays all or part of your pharmacyprescriptions?” at Step 8 they are asked to enter identificationinformation (e.g., the following information (as it appears on theBidRx^(SM) or insurance card)) at Step 80;

-   -   1. Whom is the prescription drug plan administered by*    -   2. The Group Number*    -   3. The Plan Number*    -   4. Subscriber/Cardholder/Member Number*        *This data comes from the Third Party client database within        BidRx^(SM) BidRx^(SM) card, and each plan is connected to        eligibility, incentive, co-pay, and prior authorization        databases.

After registering the customer may request a bid on PharmaceuticalPrescriptions and Services Bid Request. The customer will have a choiceat Step 82 of whether to select; 1) Pharmaceutical Prescriptions andServices Bid Request or 2) Medication Therapy Management Service OnlyBid Request.

If the customer selects 1) at Step 82, they will automatically have aSPPC as shown in FIG. 1E. If the drug is 100% co-pay the customer willbe given an. opportunity for a SPPC as described at Step 57. If SPPC iselected for a 100% co-pay medication, then the method goes to Step 58.If the customer selects 2) at Step 82, the process then proceeds to FIG.1G as described before.

If a different product is selected from the SPPC, at Step 201 thecustomer enters the required information along with the new productselected in the SPPC, for example: Pharmaceutical Prescription; CustomerName; Customer Language preference; Customer Address and Customer EmailAddress; Drug(s) Name*; Drug(s) Strength*; Drug(s) Form*; Drug(s)Quantity*; Fill all prescriptions (if selected additional Prescription'sare added at this time); pharmaceutical services;**; PharmaceuticalEducation; Delivery; Mail Order; Canadian Pharmacy (Yes or No); SpecialPackaging Including; Unit Dose, Blister Packages, Vials, CompliancePackaging, Etc.; 24 hr Service; 24 hr Pharmacist Call; MedicationManagement Services, Etc.; Chooses Bidding Time Limit (hrs).

*=Items chosen from a database/List by pop-up box or other method

If the third party program requires Prior Authorization for specificproducts or product groups, the following will happen;

-   1. The bidding service provider system would allow these products to    be entered, by an authorized “Third Party” representative into their    own unique listing. Along with each specific product or group of    products is a corresponding “Prior Authorization”, (PA) form. The    form may be available online for prescribers to fill out and submit    back to the system.-   2. At Step 203 the bidding service provider system checks the    products entered by the customer for “PA” requirements identified    third parties listing.-   3. If the product is found in the “PA” listing, the customer is    messaged back at Step 205 that their prescriber is required to enter    information electronically into the bidding service provider system    on the “Prior Authorization”, (PA) form. The “PA” form will be easy    to fill out by the prescriber at Step 207 with Yes/No answers or    pop-up boxes.-   4. When the “Prior Authorization”, (PA) form is completed and    approved the bidding on the product(s) is allowed (Step 203).

The customer may be required by the third party payer to have a similarproduct price comparison (SPPC) prior to submitting their bid forproduct and services for bid (Step 209).

After the customer is provided at Step 211 with the results of thesimilar product price comparison (SPPC) the customer is then asked atStep 213 if they would like the bidding service provider to send thelist to their prescriber. If not, then the bidding service providerdirectly sends the SPPC for prescriber review. If yes then the systemasks at Step 215 for;

-   -   1. Prescriber Name    -   2. Address    -   3. Phone Number    -   4. Fax Number    -   5. E-mail address if available    -   6. HIPAA Authorization (Statement Check Box)    -   7. Optionally, for the customer's credit card or other payment        information if the 3^(rd) party does not pay for the bidding        service provider to forward the SPPC results directly.

The prescriber reviews the SPPC list at Step 217, whether presented bythe customer or the bidding service provider. The prescription,reflecting the prescriber's approval/disapproval of the SPPC listedoptions, is then resubmitted at Step 219 to the bidding system prior toStep 84 in FIG. 1D. At Step 84, all necessary prescription informationis entered with the bidding service provider.

Pharmacies receive the bid information at Step 86 and can, at Step 88

-   -   1. Bid manually through the bidding service provider system user        interface,    -   2. Let the bidding service provider system automatically bid the        registry price for them,    -   3. Let the bidding service provider automatic bidding module bid        down the price to a pharmacy set minimum.

The process continues at Step 38 as shown in FIG. 1F At Step 38 as bidsfrom each of the responding pharmacies are received by the biddingservice provider, they are posted for all responding pharmacies to seein a form of “reverse auction.” The reverse auction of Step 38 is thesame as described earlier. The posting is preferably performed using anelectronic network such as an intranet or the Internet, providing eachresponding pharmacy with real-time feedback regarding the status andrelative placement of their respective bids. While the process isactive, pharmacies that have been under-bid by a lower price offered bya competing pharmacy, may then manually submit new, lower bids and/oradd services at no charge. In a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, responding pharmacies are not permitted to raise their bidprices after they have been submitted. The registry pharmacies can setminimum prices for the reverse auction as described earlier and/or bidmanually. Otherwise, the registry pharmacies automatically submit thedefault bid which is the maximum price allowed for members of theregistry.

When bidding starts at Step 38, the best bids from each of theresponding pharmacies are reported back to the customer at Step 40. Thecustomer is preferably notified electronically via an E-mail message oraccessed over the Internet; however, alternate means such as telephone,facsimile and mail may also be used. Bid reporting at Step 40 may beprovided to the customer continuously during the reverse auction and/orafter the set bidding period closes.

The customer interface at Step 40 allows the bid information to bedisplayed in several different ways such as:

-   -   7. Lowest to highest based on product price only    -   8. Lowest to highest based on combined product and service        pricing    -   9. Lowest to highest based on combined products and services of        pharmacy offering services beyond that requested.    -   10. Highest to lowest based on the number of services offered.    -   11. Others    -   Note: The above lists contain all of the elements of the bid        priced by item and totaled, as well as the Name, Address, Phone        #, Fax #, and email address of the Pharmacy and Pharmacy web        site link if available.

At Step 42 the customer selects the best bid that matches the customer'sindividual needs, based on their individual preferences. Suchpreferences may include preferred pharmacies, prescription cost,ancillary services available and the proximity of the pharmacies to thecustomer. The customer may be given the option of selecting the winningbid prior to the close of the bidding period. The customer notifies thebidding service provider of the selection during this step, and thebidding service provider provides the customer with a reservation numberand code key corresponding to the terms of the pharmacy's bid for theprescription.

At Step 44 unsuccessful responding pharmacies are notified. Thesuccessful responding pharmacy is also notified and provided with thesame reservation number as the customer, as at Step 44. The successfuland unsuccessful pharmacies are preferably notified via an E-mailmessage or via an Internet web site; however, alternate means such astelephone and facsimile may also be used. The prescription is filled bythe successful responding pharmacy at Step 46, in accordance with theterms of the pharmacy's winning bid of Step 42 and entering the code keyinto the pharmacies BidRx^(SM) reservation. The code key acts as proofthat the prescription was filled and, thereby, authorizes the biddingservice provider to pay the pharmacy.

In Step 46 the customer then contacts the pharmacy by usual means andpresents a valid prescription for the bid products along with thereservation number and key code. (This can only be done after a bid isawarded). The winning bid remains in the bidding service provider'ssystem until the expiration date of the reservation. Only the customerand the winning pharmacy have access to the winning bid information, vialogin and password. The winning pharmacy fills the prescription andprovides the services specified in the reservation at the bid price.

After the reservation expires or the prescription is filled, the winningbid information is available, as shown in Step 48 on the bidding serviceprovider's system to all pharmacies within the service area, minus thecustomer and pharmacy information. Pharmacies viewing this data shouldbe able to perform queries 50 on this information to allow them toimprove their chances of winning new bids. Some example queries are:

-   -   5. The number of successful bids per specified period.    -   6. The number of bids available per specified period    -   7. Percentage of successful bids by pharmacy in the specified        period.    -   8. Winning bid prices for products and services over a time        period (also available to customer).    -   12. List highest to lowest based upon a selection of the        following;        -   a. Product pricing database        -   b. Services database

It should be noted that the present invention may be used withoutlimitation by customers who are participating in a healthcare insuranceplan. Likewise, uninsured customers may use the present invention toobtain drug price discounts and increase the availability of desiredpharmacy services while holding down the total cost of care.

Data mining may be conducted upon the information contained within thebidding system in order to generate a number of reports. As a generalrule, whatever information an entity put into the system they can getback out as a report. A number of reports will be viewable online suchas the SPPC list, ongoing auctions (by customers/proxy or pharmacy),summary reports of completed auctions, local area prices, list of alllocal pharmacies (which may also include links to the web pages of thosepharmacies) and lists of services provided by those pharmacies.Likewise, prescribers may have access to reports on what they have doneas a patient's proxy, PA approvals, and/or local area drug prices.Additional reports for pharmacies may include prices for auctions theyhave won, how many prescriptions they need to fill, comparisons of theactual sale price versus the bid cost, sales details for all pharmaciesin the area (for sales that have been completed and given lag time suchas 30 days), a projection of inventory needs based on the won auctionsin the pharmacies queue, and a report on the maximum and minimum pricesof all third party payers. Pharmacies may also get reports on individualpharmacies or regional pharmacies on a total corporate level. Customerscan get reports on all of their bid prescription transactions. PhRMA mayget reports on the de-identified customer data, details on what drugsare being purchased, etc.

EXAMPLE

FIG. 2 is a timeline of a preferred embodiment of the invention showingthe sequencing and interaction of the steps of the bidding process toprovide drugs. A customer 101 registers 103 with a bidding system(BidRx^(SM)) 99. Preferably, such registration is on-line. The customeris then provided with a sign-on identifier 105. Alternatively, aprescriber 107 can act as a proxy 109 for customer 101. Prescriber 107may also register 111 as a prescriber and obtain a sign-on identifier113.

MTMS providers 115 register 117, either by paper or, where appropriate,on-line, and receive a sign-on identifier 119. Providers/pharmacies 121register, either by paper, or where appropriate, on-line, and receive asign-on identifier 125. The pharmacies provide a table 127, of minimumpricing and services offered, to bidding system 99. Bidding system 99interacts with table 127 to set agreed starting bids and can alsointeract with the pharmacies 121 to inform them of maximum and minimumbids imposed by different third party payers 129.

Third party payer 129 register with bidding system 99, either by paper,or where appropriate, online and receive a sign-on identifier 133. Thethird party payers submit a plan design 135 which includes co-pay, PAand other tables and minimum and maximum bids.

Pharmaceutical suppliers 137 (also known as PhRMA) register 139, eitherby paper or where-appropriate, online, and receive a sign-on identifier141. PhRMA 137 provides coupons/rebate tables 143 to bidding system 99.

An auction begins by the sign-on 145 of a customer or proxy. If thecustomer selects MTMS services 147 they are diverted to the appropriatemodules. However, if the customer or proxy enters bid information 149the bidding system 99 automatically checks third party eligibility 151and if appropriate, third party prior approval requirements 153. If athird party prior approval check 153 is required, the PA request may beautomatically sent to the prescriber and returned 155. If no priorauthorization is required or if the prior authorization request isreturned then in Step 157 the bid is submitted to the bidding system 99.At this point, the customer may request an SPPC comparison 159 or thecustomer's proxy may also request some SPPC 161. If the customer iseligible for third party payment, an SPPC request is automaticallygenerated 165 with the associated fees typically charged to the thirdparty payer 129. If the SPPC request is provided either by the customer159 or the proxy 161, the customer enters payment information 163. Atthis point, if an SPPC request has been submitted through any of theprior means, an SPPC list 167 is generated and transmitted to therequestor 169. If the SPPC list is provided to the customer the customerhas the choice of selecting one of the alternative medications from thelist and then submitting the SPPC list to the prescriber 169.Alternatively, if the third party payer or the prescriber requests theSPPC list, the SPPC list 167 may automatically be sent to the prescriber107 to approve, deny and if necessary provide the prior authorization169. At this point, the bid request is transmitted to the auction module171. The auction 173 with automatic bidding 175 occurring nearlyinstantaneously with the beginning of the auction event. Customer 101 orthe physician proxy 107 can review the bid status 175 and at any pointselect a bid 179 and thereby conclude the auction. While the auction 173is occurring the pharmacy 121 may review ongoing auctions and manuallybid on products and services in an attempt to win the right to fill thisprescription 177. Unless previously terminated by the customer 101 orphysician proxy 107, the auction 173 ends at Step 181 at the conclusionof the predetermined time limit. At Step 181 the customer either acceptsone of the bids or denies all of them. If the customer accepts a bid, areservation number and bid information (including a key number) 183 istransmitted to the customer. Simultaneously a reservation number (andinformation on the customer) 185 is transmitted to the winning pharmacy121. Once the prescription has been filled and the pharmacy has beenprovided the key number from the customer's reservation, an electronictransfer of pharmacy fees 187 is sent from the winning pharmacy'saccount to the bidding system 99 account. Any coupons or rebates 189from PhRMA 137 is then also transferred to the bidding system 99.Likewise, any third party fees 191 are electronically transferred to thebidding system 99. Subsequently, the third party payments and the PhRMApayments are transferred 193 to the pharmacy 121.

With reference to FIG. 3, in one embodiment of the present invention asystem 400 includes a bidding service provider 402, a customer 404, aplurality of prescription fulfillment providers 406 and, optionally, oneor more manufacturers and/or suppliers 408. Bidding service provider 402includes a processing unit 410 programmed with a rules engine 412capable of executing all of the desired steps of the process and ofproviding all of the desired functions as described herein. Theprocessing unit 410 is in electronic communication with a database 414capable of storing the information input into the system 400 asdescribed herein. Such information includes, inter alia, the customerand prescription information, pricing rules, auction results, etc. Thesystem 400 also includes input/output devices 416 such as computerterminals, email devices and/or Internet access devices forcommunication. Typically, the communication between the input/outputdevices 416 is through electronic networks 418 such as an intranet, theInternet, or both.

From the above description of the invention, those skilled in the artwill perceive improvements, changes, and modifications in the invention.Such improvements, changes, and modifications within the skill of theart are intended to be covered. Likewise, one skilled in the art willrecognize that the order of certain steps in the method may be combined,deleted or rearranged without diminishing the scope of the invention.

1. A method for facilitating the delivery of prescription products or services, the method comprising the steps of: providing a processing unit programmed with a rules engine to carry out the steps of the method; providing a database for storage and retrieval of information by the processing unit; providing a plurality of input/output devices for communication; communicating, from a customer to the processing unit, unfilled prescription information and customer information, wherein the unfilled prescription was provided by a prescriber; communicating, from the processing unit to the customer, cost information for both the unfilled prescription and for any similar products, the cost information including a price, availability of any discount coupons, a co-pay for any third-party payer benefits, and a final cost to the customer; the customer comparing the cost information; the customer selecting a prescription, the select prescription comprising the unfilled prescription or a select similar product; communicating, from the customer to the processing unit, the select prescription comprising the prescriber modifying the unfilled prescription as needed to conform to the select prescription; communicating the modified unfilled prescription information from the processing unit to a plurality of pre-qualified prescription fulfillment providers; conducting a reverse auction in which the pre-qualified prescription fulfillment providers communicate to the processing unit interactive and iterative bids to fill the modified unfilled prescription, each fulfillment provider receiving real-time feedback communications from the processing unit regarding the status and placement of their bids in comparison to other fulfillment providers, each fulfillment provider having the option of communicating to the processing unit amended bids that include at least one of new, lower prices and ancillary services in competition with the bids of other fulfillment providers to entice the customer to select their bid; providing a results communication from the processing unit to the customer, the results communication including details of the final bid of each responding prescription fulfillment provider that made at least one bid to fill the modified unfilled prescription; and, allowing the customer to select a winning bid by sending an instruction communication to the processing unit, the communications between the customer and the processing unit and the communications between the processing unit and the fulfillment providers being accomplished using input/output devices at each of the customer, processing unit and fulfillment providers.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the prescription is for at least one of: drugs; physical therapy; laboratory or diagnostic services; optical lenses; surgery; dental services; dental devices; orthodontic devices; orthodontic services; or, psychiatric services.
 3. The method of claim 1, further including the step of allowing the prescriber to act as a proxy for the customer.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the prescription fulfillment provider is at least one of: a pharmacist; a physical therapist; a laboratory technician; a medical diagnostic device technician; a surgeon; a lens maker; a dentist; an orthodontist; a physician; a psychiatrist; a psychologist; or, a social worker.
 5. The method of claim 1 wherein the prescriber is any person authorized to order medical or health related products, tests and/or services.
 6. The method of claim 1 wherein the prescriber is at least one of a physician, surgeon, optometrist, optician, dentist, orthodontist, physical therapist, psychiatrist, psychologist, social worker, or veterinarian.
 7. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of setting a predetermined time limit to conclude the reverse auction.
 8. The method of claim 7, further comprising the step of providing the customer with the option of one of: selecting the winning bid prior to the conclusion of the predetermined time limit at any time during the reverse auction; and selecting the winning bid following conclusion of the predetermined time limit.
 9. The method of claim 1, further including the step of providing the customer with the option of selecting the winning bid at any time during the reverse auction.
 10. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of the processing unit notifying all responding prescription fulfillment providers of the customer's selection.
 11. The method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of: the processing unit providing a reservation number and code key to the customer; and the processing unit providing the reservation number to the responding prescription fulfillment provider with the winning bid.
 12. The method of claim 1, further including the step of providing the prescription in physical form, the physical prescription remaining with the customer until filled at the prescription fulfillment provider with the winning bid.
 13. The method of claim 1, further including the step of allowing only prescription fulfillment providers that are at least one of within a specified service area and serving via mail order to bid.
 14. The method of claim 1, wherein the prescription information is communicated electronically between the customer and the processing unit, and between the processing unit and the prescription fulfillment providers.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the electronic transfer is accomplished via an intranet, the Internet, or a combination of both.
 16. The method of claim 1 wherein the unfilled prescription information comprises at least one of prescription name, drug strength, prescription quantity and bidding time limit.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the prescription information further comprises at least one of form of drug or ancillary prescription fulfillment provider services desired.
 18. The method of claim 1, wherein the prescription fulfillment providers bid automatically based on predetermined parameters established by the prescription fulfillment provider.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the predetermined parameters comprise indexing to an industry standard price index.
 20. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of the processing unit providing electronic prior authorization means to a third party payer if prior authorization is required for the prescription or for ancillary services included in a bid.
 21. A system for facilitating the fulfillment of prescribed products and/or services; the system comprising: at least one first input/output device for a customer to submit customer information and information for at least one unfilled prescription provided by a prescriber and to receive information in connection with the unfilled prescription and similar products; at least one second input/output device for communicating information in connection with the unfilled prescription and similar products to a registry comprising pre-qualified prescription fulfillment providers and for the pre-qualified prescription fulfillment providers to interactively and iteratively submit bids in connection with the unfilled prescription and similar products; and, a processing unit programmed by a rules engine and coupled to a database, the processing unit being in electronic communication with the first input/output device and the second input/output device, the processing unit providing the customer with cost information for both the unfilled prescription and for any similar products, the cost information including a price, availability of any discount coupons, a co-pay for any third-party payer benefits, and a final cost to the customer, the customer comparing the cost information, the customer selecting a prescription, the select prescription comprising the unfilled prescription or a select similar product, the customer communicating the select prescription to the processing unit, the prescriber modifying the unfilled prescription as needed to conform to the select prescription, the processing unit communicating the modified unfilled prescription to the fulfillment providers for bids from the fulfillment providers, each fulfillment provider receiving real-time feedback from the processing unit regarding the status and placement of their bids to fulfill the modified unfilled prescription in comparison to other fulfillment providers, each fulfillment provider having the option of responding to the processing unit with amended bids that include at least one of new, lower prices and ancillary services in competition with the other fulfillment providers to entice the customer to select their bid.
 22. The system of claim 21, wherein the first input/output device is an interface to an intranet, the Internet or both.
 23. The system of claim 21, wherein the second input/output device is an interface to an intranet, the Internet or both.
 24. The system of claim 21, wherein the electronic communication is via an intranet, Internet or both.
 25. The system of claim 21, wherein the unfilled prescription is for a drug and the unfilled prescription further includes a request for a similar product price comparison to identify a list of products comprising alternative medications potentially similar to the prescribed drug along with relative costs for such identified similar products, the comparison being carried out by the processing unit.
 26. The system of claim 21, wherein the rules engine further includes instructions to carry out automatic bidding.
 27. The system of claim 21 further comprising at least one third input/output device for at least one of manufacturers and suppliers of prescribed products to provide direct-to-customer advertising and/or cost incentives to the customer.
 28. The system of claim 27 wherein the cost incentives are electronic coupons.
 29. A method for facilitating-the delivery of prescription products or services, the method comprising the steps of: providing unfilled prescription information and customer information from a customer to a participating bidding service provider, wherein the unfilled prescription is provided by a prescriber; communicating, from the bidding service provider to the customer, cost information relating to both the unfilled prescription and to any similar products, the cost information including a price, availability of any discount coupons, a co-pay for any third-party payer benefits, and a final cost to the customer; the customer comparing the cost information; the customer selecting a prescription, the select prescription comprising the unfilled prescription or a select similar product; communicating, from the customer to the bidding service provider, the select prescription; the prescriber modifying the unfilled prescription as needed to conform to the select prescription; transferring, via electronic means, the modified unfilled prescription information from the bidding service provider to a registry of pre-qualified pharmacies; conducting a reverse auction in which the pre-qualified pharmacies respond to the bidding service provider with interactive and iterative bids to fill the modified unfilled prescription, each pre-qualified pharmacy receiving real-time feedback from the bidding service provider regarding the status and placement of their bids in comparison to other pre-qualified pharmacies, each pre-qualified pharmacy having the option of responding to the bidding service provider with amended bids that include at least one of new, lower prices and ancillary services in competition with the other pre-qualified pharmacies to entice the customer to select their bid; providing the customer with the details of the lowest bid of each responding pharmacy that made at least one bid to fill the prescription; and, allowing the customer to select the winning bid.
 30. The method of claim 29 further including the step of allowing the prescriber to act as a proxy for the customer.
 31. The method of claim 29 wherein the prescriber is any person authorized to prescribe drugs.
 32. The method of claim 29 wherein the customer may select the winning bid at any time during the reverse auction.
 33. The method of claim 29, further comprising the step of setting a predetermined time limit to conclude the reverse auction.
 34. The method of claim 33 wherein the customer has the option of selecting the winning bid prior to the conclusion of the predetermined time limit at any time during the reverse auction or selecting the winning bid following the conclusion of the predetermined time limit.
 35. The method of claim 29, further comprising the step of notifying all responding pharmacies of the customer's selection via the bidding service provider.
 36. The method of claim 29, further comprising the step of providing a reservation number and key code to the customer and the same reservation number to the responding pharmacy with the winning bid.
 37. The method of claim 29 wherein the prescription is in physical form and the physical prescription remains with the customer until filled at the pharmacy with the winning bid.
 38. The method of claim 29 wherein the prescription is transferred from the prescriber to the pharmacy with the winning bid via facsimile, telephone, or electronic communication.
 39. The method of claim 29 wherein only pharmacies within a specified service area and/or serving via mail order are allowed to bid.
 40. The method of claim 29, wherein the prescription information is provided electronically.
 41. The method of claim 40, wherein the electronic transfer is via an intranet, the Internet, or a combination of both.
 42. The method of claim 29, wherein the pharmacies bid against each other by offering a lower price and/or ancillary services.
 43. The method of claim 29 wherein the prescription information comprises prescription name, drug strength, prescription quantity and bidding time limit.
 44. The method of claim 43, wherein the prescription information further comprises at least one of form of drug or ancillary pharmacy services desired.
 45. The method of claim 29, wherein the pharmacies bid automatically based on predetermined parameters established by the pharmacy.
 46. The method of claim 45, wherein the predetermined parameters comprise indexing to an industry standard price index.
 47. The method of claim 29, further comprising the bidding service provider contacting a third party payer if prior authorization is required for the prescription or for ancillary services included in a bid.
 48. A method for facilitating the delivery of prescription products, using a processing unit performing the method comprising the steps of: providing unfilled prescription information and customer information from a customer to a participating bidding service provider/administrator, the unfilled prescription being provided by a prescriber; communicating, from the bidding service provider/administrator to the customer, cost information relating to both the unfilled prescription and to any alternative medications, the cost information including a price, availability of any discount coupons, a co-pay for any third-party payer benefits, and a final cost to the customer; the customer comparing the cost information; communicating, from the customer to the bidding service provider/administrator, a select prescription comprising the unfilled prescription or a select alternative medication; obtaining authorization from the prescriber modify the unfilled prescription as needed to conform to the select prescription; transferring information for the unfilled prescription, modified as needed to conform to the select prescription, from the bidding service provider to a registry of pre-qualified pharmacies; conducting a reverse auction in which the pre-qualified pharmacies respond with interactive and iterative bids to fill the modified unfilled prescription, each pre-qualified pharmacy receiving real-time feedback from the bidding service provider/administrator regarding the status and placement of their bids in comparison to other pre-qualified pharmacies, each pre-qualified pharmacy having the option of responding to the bidding service provider/administrator with amended bids that include at least one of new, lower prices and ancillary services in competition with the other pre-qualified pharmacies to entice the customer to select their bid; providing the customer with the details of the lowest bid of each responding pharmacy that made at least one bid to fill the prescription; and; allowing the customer to select the winning bid.
 49. The method of claim 48 wherein the prescriber acts as a proxy for the customer.
 50. The method of claim 48 wherein the prescriber is any person authorized to prescribe drugs.
 51. The method of claim 48 wherein the customer may select the winning bid at any time during the reverse auction.
 52. The method of claim 48, further comprising the step of setting a predetermined time limit to conclude the reverse auction.
 53. The method of claim 52 wherein the customer has the option of selecting the winning bid prior to the conclusion of the predetermined time limit at any time during the reverse auction or selecting the winning bid following the conclusion of the predetermined time limit.
 54. The method of claim 48, further comprising the step of notifying all responding pharmacies of the customer's selection via the bidding service provider.
 55. The method of claim 48, further comprising the step of providing a reservation number and key code to the customer and the same reservation number to the responding pharmacy with the winning bid.
 56. The method of claim 48 wherein the prescription is in physical form and the physical prescription remains with the customer until filled at the pharmacy with the winning bid.
 57. The method of claim 48 wherein the prescription is transferred from the prescriber to the pharmacy with the winning bid via facsimile, telephone, or electronic communication.
 58. The method of claim 48 wherein only pharmacies within a specified service area and/or serving via mail order are allowed to bid.
 59. The method of claim 48, wherein the prescription information is provided electronically.
 60. The method of claim 59, wherein the electronic transfer is via an intranet, the Internet, or a combination of both.
 61. The method of claim 48, wherein the pharmacies bid against each other by offering a lower price and/or ancillary services.
 62. The method of claim 48 wherein the prescription information comprises prescription name, drug strength, prescription quantity and bidding time limit.
 63. The method of claim 62, wherein the prescription information further comprises at least one of form of drug or ancillary pharmacy services desired.
 64. The method of claim 48, wherein the pharmacies bid automatically based on predetermined parameters established by the pharmacy.
 65. The method of claim 64, wherein the predetermined parameters comprise indexing to an industry standard cost index.
 66. The method of claim 48, further comprising the bidding service provider contacting a third party payer if prior authorization is required for the prescription or for ancillary services included in a bid.
 67. The method of claim 48 wherein the unfilled prescription information is transferred via electronic means.
 68. A method for contracting for pharmaceutical cognitive services, using a processor to perform the method comprising: submitting a request for specified pharmaceutical cognitive services from a customer to a participating bidding service provider; communicating, from the bidding service provider to the customer, cost information for both the request for specified pharmaceutical cognitive services and for any similar products, the cost information including a price, availability of any discount coupons, a co-pay for any third-party payer benefits, and a final cost to the customer; the customer comparing the cost information; the customer selecting pharmaceutical cognitive services, the select pharmaceutical cognitive services comprising the request for specified pharmaceutical cognitive services or a select similar product; communicating, from the customer to the processing unit, the select pharmaceutical cognitive services or a select similar product; the prescriber modifying the request for specified pharmaceutical cognitive services as needed to conform to the select request; pharmaceutical cognitive services; transferring the modified request for specified pharmaceutical cognitive services from the bidding service provider to a registry of pre-qualified pharmaceutical service providers; conducting a reverse auction in which the pre-qualified pharmaceutical service providers respond with interactive and iterative bids to fulfill the modified request for specified pharmaceutical cognitive services, each pharmaceutical service provider receiving real-time feedback from the bidding service provider regarding the status and placement of their bids in comparison to other pharmaceutical service providers, each pharmaceutical service provider having the option of responding to the bidding service provider with amended bids that include at least one of new, lower prices and ancillary services in competition with the other pharmaceutical service providers to entice the customer to select their bid; providing the customer with the details of the lowest bid of each responding pharmaceutical service provider that made at least one bid; and, allowing the customer to select the winning bid.
 69. The method of claim 68 wherein the customer may select the winning bid at any time during the reverse auction.
 70. The method of claim 68, further comprising the step of setting a predetermined time limit to conclude the reverse auction.
 71. The method of claim 68 wherein the customer has the option of selecting the winning bid prior to the conclusion of the predetermined time limit at any time during the reverse auction or selecting the winning bid following the conclusion of the predetermined time limit.
 72. The method of claim 68, further comprising the step of notifying all responding Pharmaceutical service providers of the customer's selection via the bidding service provider.
 73. The method of claim 68, further comprising the step of providing a reservation number and key code to the customer and the same reservation number to responding pharmaceutical service provider with the winning bid.
 74. The method of claim 68 wherein only pharmaceutical service providers within a specified service area and/or serving via mail order are allowed to bid.
 75. The method of claim 68, wherein the request is provided electronically.
 76. The method of claim 75, wherein the electronic transfer is via an intranet, the Internet, or a combination of both.
 77. The method of claim 68, wherein the pharmaceutical service providers bid against each other by offering a lower price and/or ancillary services.
 78. The method of claim 68, wherein the pharmaceutical service providers bid automatically based on predetermined parameters established by the pharmaceutical service provider.
 79. The method of claim 68, further comprising the bidding service provider contacting a third party payer if prior authorization is required for the requested pharmaceutical cognitive services.
 80. The method of claim 68 wherein the unfilled prescription information is transferred via electronic means.
 81. A system for processing prescriptions; the system comprising: at least one first input/output device for a customer to submit customer information and information for at least one unfilled prescription and to receive information in connection with the unfilled prescription and similar products; at least one second input/output device for communicating information in connection with the unfilled prescription and similar products to a registry comprising pre-qualified pharmacies and for the pre-qualified pharmacies to interactively and iteratively submit bids in connection with the unfilled prescription and similar products in a reverse auction; and, a processing unit programmed by a rules engine and coupled to a database, the processing unit being in electronic communication with the first input/output device and the second input/output device, the processing unit providing the customer with cost information for both the unfilled prescription and for any similar products, the cost information including a price, availability of any discount coupons, a co-pay for any third-party payer benefits, and a final cost to the customer, the customer comparing the cost information, the customer selecting a prescription, the select prescription comprising the unfilled prescription or a select similar product, the customer communicating the select prescription to the processing unit, the prescriber modifying the unfilled prescription as needed to conform to the select prescription, the processing unit communicating the modified unfilled prescription to the prequalified pharmacies for bids from the pre-qualified pharmacies, each pre-qualified pharmacy receiving real-time feedback from the processing unit regarding the status and placement of their bids to fulfill the modified unfilled prescription in comparison to other pre-qualified pharmacies, each pre-qualified pharmacy having the option of responding to the processing unit with amended bids that include at least one of new, lower prices and ancillary services in competition with the other pre-qualified pharmacies to entice the customer to select their bid.
 82. The system of claim 81, wherein the first input/output device is an interface to an intranet, the Internet or both.
 83. The system of claim 81, wherein the second input/output device is an interface to an intranet, the Internet or both.
 84. The system of claim 81, wherein the electronic communication is via an intranet, Internet or both.
 85. The system of claim 81, wherein the unfilled prescription further includes a request for a similar product price comparison to identify alternative medications that are similar products to the prescribed drug and to determine costs for such identified similar products, alternative medications, the comparison being carried out by the processing unit.
 86. The system of claim 81, wherein the pharmacies bid automatically based on predetermined parameters established by the pharmacies and incorporated into the rules engine. 